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BR-101 will be modernized with R$7 billion in investments. The project promises to generate more than 100 jobs, improve infrastructure and safety, but will also bring higher tolls, generating controversy.
One of the most ambitious projects in Brazilian road infrastructure is about to come to fruition.
With an estimated investment of $ 7,07 billion, the duplication of 221 kilometers of BR-101 in Espírito Santo promises to revolutionize transportation in the state and generate more than 100 thousand direct and indirect jobs.
Despite promises of improvements, the initiative brings challenges, including higher tolls and criticism of the concession model.
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Strategic duplication to ease traffic congestion
BR-101 is one of the country's main highways, connecting Espírito Santo to neighboring states and serving as a vital axis for the transportation of cargo and passengers.
Since 2013, the section in the state has been under the responsibility of the concessionaire Eco101, which has now received authorization from the Federal Court of Auditors (TCU) to move forward with the duplication project.
The work will include 96 kilometers of duplication in the first three years, plus an additional 125 kilometers throughout the contract.
Strategic sections will receive special attention, such as the road contours of Ibiraçu e Fundão, which add up to 15,6 km and seek to divert urban traffic, improving safety and reducing travel time.
Although the original plan called for the duplication of 376 kilometers, 155 kilometers were excluded due to technical and environmental unfeasibility.
However, they were added 41 kilometers of additional lanes, which promises to alleviate the flow at critical points.
Economic impact and job creation
The BR-101 project is not limited to transportation improvements. According to estimates from the TCU, duplication will be responsible for the creation of 100.464 jobs, being:
- Direct jobs: 34.026
- Indirect jobs: 16.046
- Multiplier effect: 52.392 (generated by increased local consumption).
Furthermore, highway modernization should boost sectors such as civil construction, logistics and commerce, strengthening the economy of Espírito Santo.
Direct jobs involve everything from construction workers to engineers and technicians, while indirect jobs include suppliers and other services.
Billion-dollar investment and contract extension
To make the project viable, Eco101's contract was extended for another 10 years, being able to total 40 years of concession.
The contribution of $ 7,07 billion includes not only the duplication works, but also the maintenance of the highway and improvements in safety, such as the construction of walkways and shoulders.
However, the decision to extend the contract has generated criticism, especially among drivers and infrastructure experts, who question whether the private concession model is the best solution for such important highways.
The price of progress: higher tolls
With the duplication, toll rates also increase.
Currently, the cost per kilometer for single tracks is R$0,05525, but should rise to R$0,071 from the sixth month of works.
As duplicate sections are delivered, the value will be adjusted to R$ 0,156 per kilometer, equivalent to approximately R$ 16,55 for every 100 kilometers driven.
This change worries frequent users, such as truck drivers and residents of cities crossed by BR-101, who depend on the highway for daily activities.
Despite this, Eco101 argues that the increase is necessary to support the maintenance of the highway, guarantee the quality of the works and offer greater safety to drivers.
Controversies and criticisms of the highway concession model
Although the project brings clear benefits, it is not free from controversy.
One of the main criticisms is the withdrawal of the Linhares Contour, a work considered essential for traffic in the region.
According to the TCU, the exclusion occurred due to environmental licensing issues, but future inclusion is not ruled out.
Another point of contention is the high cost for users, especially truck drivers, who already face challenges with high fuel prices and toll fees on other privatized highways.
Experts point out that the lack of robust public alternatives for infrastructure creates an excessive dependence on the private sector, resulting in higher tariffs for the population.
The vision for the future: modernization or burden?
The duplication of BR-101 represents a milestone for Espírito Santo and for Brazil.
With significant improvements in safety and traffic, the modernization promises to transform the driver experience and stimulate economic development.
However, the associated costs, including higher toll rates and the extension of the concession contract, raise questions about affordability and financial impacts for users.
Will modernization make up for the costs? Or does the current concession model need to be rethought to ensure a better balance between investments and benefits for the population?
Leave your opinion in the comments: Will drivers be able to afford the costs of a road that, although modern, will become increasingly expensive to use?
EVERY DAY THAT PASSES THE TAXPAYER IS ROBBED.
WE ALREADY PAY THE IPVA WHICH IS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF STREETS AND ROADS.
UNFORTUNATELY THESE CORRUPT POLITICIANS JUST WANT TO CONTINUE ROBBING FROM WORKERS.
Congratulations to Espírito Santo for this work that is so important to everyone. It will provide development, jobs and, most importantly, safety on the roads, preventing the deaths of our fellow countrymen and visitors.
IT IS MORE THAN NECESSARY TO HAVE DOGS ON BRAZILIAN HIGHWAYS, THROUGH MODERN ENGINEERING THAT WILL PROVIDE SAFETY TO USERS, WITHOUT PAYING THE BURDEN OF CORRUPTION IN THIS COUNTRY.